I have been thinking about writing this blog for some time. There are several reasons for it. Last year we celebrated 100th year anniversary of the iconic 1911. I live in Wyoming and the caliber of choice in the “Old West” for self defense, target or competition pistols seems to be the .45 ACP. I also have the CZ 97 B in my collection. The idea of comparing those two pistols shot on the same day was very appealing. It is like comparing cars made in two different countries. The cars can have same engine power output,same size but they will feel different. These handguns were designed and produced for the same purpose. Self defense and upholding the law in the hands of citizens. Different variations have also made it to the holsters of law enforcement around the world. I will write the facts about these pistols and add my personal opinion too.

Dan Wesson Valor 1911 .45 ACP

This is one the finest, most accurate 1911 on the market. The accuracy out of the box is unmatched. It is a classic looking 1911. Mine is black with beautiful VZ slim line G10 grips that ensure tight grip under any condition. The Valor has 8 round magazine, pretty standard for 1911. It feels very comfortable and you want to shoot it more. More practice leads to better accuracy. This gun shoots exactly where you aim it. If you point at bulls eye from ten yards and can hold it there, you will punch bunch of holes through it. I have shot few hundred rounds through mine if not over a thousand and have not had any malfunctions. Accuracy and reliability is what you want from Valor when you are spending that kind of money. Yet you get exactly what you pay for. You can not say that about few other manufacturers I have had the displeasure to shoot. read more »

On 3/17 I was attending CZ & Dan Wesson Shooting Day at Hartford Gun Club in CT. We have created this event to get as many people familiar with CZ firearms as possible. Some might wonder why such a random location. Well here is little history on start of my career.

I played professionally in Czechoslovakia and also participated in the international hockey tournaments with country’s national team. That is where scouts for many NHL teams “discovered” my playing ability. After couple of years playing for the Czechoslovak National Team I was drafted by the Hartford Whalers. The franchise does not exist anymore, it was relocated to Carolina,but that is where I got my start in North America. read more »

Bobby Holik

Bobby Holik, Czech American NHL Legend teamed up with CZ-USA in 2011 to promote the CZ line of bolt action rifles, semi-automatic handguns and handcrafted shotguns. The ice hockey center began his U.S. career with the Hartford Whalers, won two Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils and went on to plan for New York Rangers and Atlanta Thrashers. In his 1,314 career NHL games, Holik scored 747 points (326 goals, 421 assists) and became of the the most productive Czech born players in the NHL.
Like his grandfather, Bobby treasures our outdoor heritage. At home on his ranch in Wyoming, Bobby understands our responsibility as custodians for the land and wildlife on a first hand basis.

CZ-USA

CZ firearms are imported to United States exclusively by CZ-USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ceska Zbrojovka, a.s. Uhersky Brod (CZUB) of the Czech Republic whose history dates back to 1936. CZ firearms have been available through distribution channels in the US since 1991 through independent importers and in 1997 CZUB recognized the need to control its own destiny and established CZ-USA with its headquarters in Kansas City, KS. All distribution, sales, marketing, warranty and parts support operates from Kansas City location. In 2005 a great opportunity came to CZ-USA by acquiring Dan Wesson Firearms, traditional American manufacturer of premium 1911 style handguns and unique revolvers with interchangeable barrels.